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Love

Of our four children there is one who would voluntarily
crawl back inside my belly and spend the rest of his life dwelling in my
presence. He loves being near, very near. Our smallest dog, too, would crawl
into my belly if he could, however, my affection for the dog doesn't equal
his love for me.

There is another child who would have been happy to be an only
child and prefers hugs on a "need only" schedule. Another child is squishy and loveable and touchy, and one other is fiercely
independent but loveable as well. Although there are no terms to their internal
love, the physical affection varies, and although I may love them in different
ways based on their diverse needs, I love them unconditionally and could never
stop loving them.

My Heavenly Father loves me
unconditionally. Whether I talk to Him often or on a “need only” basis. He
loves me when I withdraw too long and when we spend large amounts of time
together. He loves me in spite of my mistakes, and loves to instruct me through
His Word. While physical hugs aren’t possible, there is no doubt that He is
always near and the Great Comforter.

All children are different, but
one thing that they all have in common is that they crave their parents’ love
and affection. However, when they turn into teenagers, and the dry spell for
hugs and kisses feels indefinite, get a dog. Dogs love hugs and kisses,
anytime, anywhere.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

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